As we prepare for an exciting academic year, the School of Social Work at Morgan State University proudly welcomes a vibrant and accomplished cohort of new faculty members. Each of these scholars brings a fresh perspective, a deep commitment to justice, and a passion for transforming lives through research, practice, and teaching. Their diverse expertise—ranging from restorative justice and health equity to clinical innovation and culturally grounded pedagogy—expands the intellectual and social reach of our school. We are thrilled to introduce them and invite you to join us in building meaningful collaborations and community.

Dr. Junior Lloyd Allen

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Junior Lloyd Allen, whose interdisciplinary expertise spans social work, public health, and gender studies. A Ph.D. graduate of Barry University, Dr. Allen joins us from Wayne State University, where he served as an Associate Professor and affiliate faculty in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. His powerful research centers on the lived experiences of Black/African American gay men, mental health across the lifespan, and the impact of stigma on fatherhood and identity. Dr. Allen’s scholarship offers critical insights into how systemic inequities shape health and family dynamics, drawing from qualitative methods that amplify marginalized voices. As a Yale REIDS fellow, his work on HIV stigma has earned national recognition. In the classroom, he fosters inclusive learning through reflective writing and dialogic practice, empowering students to interrogate and disrupt oppressive systems. His mentorship bridges research and real-world application, and his work is poised to make a lasting impact on our academic community. Dr. Allen brings to Morgan a bold vision for liberatory social work education rooted in healing and cultural humility.

Dr. Jennifer R. Daniels

Dr. Jennifer R. Daniels joins Morgan with an unrelenting dedication to equity-driven policy and teaching. Her Ph.D. from the University of Delaware explored racialized discretion in SNAP administration, and her national work as a National Poverty Fellow placed her at the policy forefront within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Her research weaves together structural racism, administrative burden, and access to public assistance—illuminating urgent questions around who gets help and why. As a practitioner-scholar, Dr. Daniels brings invaluable experience from nonprofit leadership and workforce development. In her classroom, policy theory meets real-world engagement, encouraging students to analyze systems and advocate for transformative change. Her pedagogy is rooted in strengths-based learning and intersectional justice, offering students a powerful lens for inclusive service. Her presence will sharpen our school’s engagement with public policy and enrich our commitment to communities most affected by inequity.

Dr. Marline Francois-Madden

With immense enthusiasm, we welcome Dr. Marline Francois-Madden, licensed clinical social worker, author, and nationally recognized thought leader. Her Ph.D. in Family Science and Human Development from Montclair State University complements over a decade of clinical practice devoted to adolescent mental health and racial identity. Dr. Francois-Madden is the founder of a successful group practice that supports Black women and girls, and her bestselling book The State of Black Girls is a seminal text in creating safe, affirming spaces. Her teaching philosophy draws from Black Feminist Thought, PVEST, and ecological systems theory, ensuring students learn through a culturally grounded and justice-oriented lens. Her research on psychological well-being, racial trauma, and intersectionality brings depth to both the clinical and policy sequences she’ll teach. Her vibrant energy, nationally recognized advocacy, and commitment to healing justice will be invaluable to our Morgan State community.

Dr. Briona M. Phillips

Dr. Briona M. Phillips joins us as a trailblazing public health social worker and interdisciplinary researcher whose work bridges health behavior science and social work. With a Ph.D. in Health Behavior and Policy from Virginia Commonwealth University and dual MSW/MPH degrees, her scholarship investigates oral health disparities and psychophysiological stress responses in Black communities. Dr. Phillips is a skilled educator and community collaborator, having led courses and trainings across sectors including law, dentistry, and medicine. Her commitment to community-engaged methods, global health, and ethical research has taken her work to Kenya, India, and beyond. She mentors with care, and her student-centered teaching integrates anti-racist and participatory frameworks. At Morgan, she will help grow our reach in health equity scholarship and strengthen transdisciplinary learning for students across programs.

Dr. Miguel A. Rodriguez

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Miguel A. Rodriguez, whose scholarship and teaching lie at the dynamic intersection of Afrocentric practice, restorative justice, and youth empowerment. Having completed his Ph.D. in Social Welfare at the CUNY Graduate Center, Dr. Rodriguez brings an activist’s heart and an educator’s discipline to Morgan. He has taught at Columbia, Medgar Evers, and Lehman College, inspiring students through participatory and arts-based learning strategies. His research disrupts the school-to-prison pipeline and promotes mental health justice in Black and Brown communities. A trilingual and transdisciplinary leader, he integrates music, culture, and political education to spark student transformation. His work has garnered support from both grassroots networks and national agencies, positioning him as a rising scholar-practitioner in our field. Dr. Rodriguez’s presence promises to deepen our commitment to community healing and educational innovation.

Dr. Sy’Quon D. Shaw

With great excitement, we welcome Dr. Sy’Quon D. Shaw, whose research and teaching champion the mental health of Black boys and men. A DSW graduate of Capella University and an MSW alum of the University of Maryland, Dr. Shaw brings clinical depth, cultural insight, and a creative teaching style to our school. His groundbreaking work on barbershops as safe mental health spaces gained national attention through his 2024 publication in Social Work in Public Health. His research agenda includes parental incarceration, first-generation college navigation, and LGBTQ mental health, making his work both timely and urgent. In the classroom, Dr. Shaw cultivates dialogue-rich environments that empower students to analyze and address stigma. He is also a passionate mentor, particularly for students navigating higher education for the first time. His deep community ties and equity-focused practice will enrich our school in immeasurable ways.

Dr. Paulette S. Smith

Dr. Paulette S. Smith returns to Morgan State with an impressive portfolio that fuses clinical expertise, equity-focused teaching, and policy innovation. A DSW graduate of Simmons University, Dr. Smith also holds an MSW from Morgan and a master’s in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics. She is the founder of Canna Heals, LLC, and has led integrative healing practices that center trauma-informed and culturally affirming care. Her dissertation, Cannabis Prohibition and Racial Injustice, is a bold call for justice and public health reform. Dr. Smith’s teaching—grounded in Universal Design and critical pedagogy—amplifies student voice and intersectional analysis. As an LCSW-C and IFS-trained therapist, she brings valuable clinical and supervisory experience to our students. Her return to Morgan is a powerful testament to our community’s ability to inspire and re-engage talent committed to radical care and systemic change.

Dr. Walker Tisdale III

A seasoned leader in behavioral health and social work, Dr. Walker Tisdale III brings more than 20 years of impact to Morgan State. Holding a DSW from the University of Kentucky and advanced degrees in social service administration and public health, Dr. Tisdale has shaped policy and programming at SAMHSA, the CDC, and beyond. His work centers on suicide prevention, racialized health disparities, and workforce development. As a public health analyst at SAMHSA, he led national equity initiatives and contributed to federal publications shaping the future of behavioral health services. His pedagogy is grounded in responsive, student-centered learning, and he is deeply committed to preparing practitioners who are skilled in both macro and mezzo-level interventions. He will bring critical insights, mentorship, and strategic leadership to our growing curriculum and public health-social work interface.

Looking Ahead

Together, these scholars represent the future of social work—equity-driven, community-engaged, and unapologetically bold. As we welcome them into our community, we also embrace the opportunities they bring for growth, innovation, and collaboration. We encourage faculty, students, staff, and community partners to connect with our new colleagues, explore shared interests, and imagine what is possible when brilliant minds work together. Let us commit to supporting one another, deepening our collective impact, and shaping a more just and compassionate world through scholarship, teaching, and practice.

Welcome to the Morgan State School of Social Work!